Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The plans below show a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The plans below show a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.
Student answer (Band 7.5)
The plans compare the layout of a college café before it was redesigned and how it looks today.
Overall, the café has been transformed into a more modern and customer-friendly space. The main seating area has been retained, while staff-only facilities have been removed and replaced with new food service areas. In addition, outdoor seating and recycling facilities have been introduced.
Before the renovation, all food and drinks were served from a single serving area connected to the kitchen in the north-west corner. Two staff dining rooms occupied the center of the café, while the remainder of the space consisted mainly of tables and chairs. The toilets were located in the south-east corner, and a bin was positioned near the entrance on the eastern side.
Following the redesign, the staff dining rooms have been replaced by a takeaway food counter and a separate coffee bar, creating more convenient options for customers. The original serving area has become a hot meals section, and a salad bar has been added along the western wall. Outside the café, a barbecue and several outdoor tables have been installed, significantly expanding the dining capacity. Finally, the bin has been replaced with recycling bins, while the toilets and kitchen have remained in their original locations.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent and fully addresses all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of the cafe before and after the redesign, such as the removal of staff dining rooms and the addition of new food service areas and outdoor seating. The overview provides a clear summary of the changes, and the comparisons between the two plans are logical and well-supported by specific details. The information is accurate and effectively highlights the key transformations, demonstrating a clear understanding of the visual data provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, the 'before' state, and the 'after' state. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'Following the redesign', and 'Finally', which help guide the reader through the comparison. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring that the relationship between the two plans is easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and plans. Phrases such as 'retained', 'transformed', 'installed', and 'expanding the dining capacity' are used accurately and naturally. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to a professional tone. While the range is sufficient and flexible, there is room to incorporate slightly more sophisticated or varied synonyms to reach the highest band, but the current usage is already very effective and error-free.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The grammar is highly accurate, with a wide range of structures used correctly. You successfully employ both simple and complex sentence forms, such as the passive voice ('have been replaced', 'have been installed') which is highly appropriate for this type of task. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over sentence structure is strong, and the writing is fluent and easy to read.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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